Chapter Fifty-Nine: Blushing When I See You

Perhaps it was because she hadn’t heard his voice for a week, but she actually felt a trace of nervousness, her very breathing tinged with anxiety. She lowered her head and murmured softly, “I’m not that petty.”

She was trying to conceal her nervousness, deliberately suppressing her voice for fear he might detect it.

Cheng Jiu agreed, then suddenly changed the subject and asked, “What did Cheng Hui tell you about me, hmm?”

Xin Gan’s mind wandered briefly. “Nothing much.”

“So you’re already starting to take your sister-in-law’s side?”

“….” Xin Gan was left speechless again. Glancing at the door, she felt uncomfortable being alone in someone else’s room, so she took her phone and stepped out into the corridor to take the call.

“Are you outside?” she evaded, hearing the rush of wind on his end.

“Yeah, I’m driving.”

“It’s not safe to talk while driving. Call me when you arrive.”

Cheng Jiu took a breath, gripping the steering wheel with one hand. Hearing her words, he let out an inexplicable laugh, his chest vibrating slightly as he said, “Alright, I’ll contact you later then.”

“Okay.”

After hanging up, Xin Gan collected herself and went downstairs.

At the staircase, she saw Cheng Hui and He Chuan chatting not far away. Cheng Hui stood with her hands on her hips, her chestnut curls making her look quite youthful, her cheeks puffed out in a pout as if she were sulking. He Chuan looked helpless, poking her forehead and saying something just as he heard footsteps on the stairs. Both looked over to see Xin Gan.

“Cheng Hui, your phone,” Xin Gan said.

Cheng Hui’s eyes curved in a smile as she took the phone Xin Gan handed over. “That was fast. I thought you two would talk for at least half an hour.”

He Chuan gave Xin Gan an apologetic smile. “Miss Xin, don’t mind Cheng Hui. She just finished her exams—whatever wits she had have been spent on the test. Right now, Cheng Hui speaks without thinking.”

“He Chuan, you’re insulting me again!”

“I’m just stating facts, not insulting you.”

Standing there, Xin Gan felt like an interloper, trying to minimize her presence. Seeing the hour, she realized it was time to go.

Madam Cheng was sitting in the living room, on the phone. When she finished her call and heard Xin Gan was leaving, she said, “Why are you leaving so soon? Why not stay a while longer? Or better yet, have dinner here tonight—Auntie will cook personally.”

“Thank you, Aunt Cheng, but I’m really sorry. I want to go home to see my grandfather tonight. I’ve been back for a week and haven’t visited him yet.”

Madam Cheng, hearing this, didn’t press her. “Alright then. But next time Auntie invites you over, you can’t refuse.”

“Of course, Aunt Cheng.”

“I’ll have the driver take you home. It’s hard to get a cab around here in the villa district.”

He Chuan said, “Aunt Qing, let me drive Miss Xin home. It’s on my way.”

“That’s fine too, thank you for the trouble.”

As He Chuan offered to take Xin Gan home, Cheng Hui wanted to tag along, but He Chuan refused her mercilessly. “If I take Miss Xin home, I’d have to bring you back again—don’t make me run in circles.”

Cheng Hui pouted unhappily but didn’t go with him, instead being called back by Madam Cheng.

He Chuan drove up, and Xin Gan waited by the roadside. After getting in, she gave him her address, then added, “Sorry for the trouble.”

“No trouble at all. It’s on my way, just a small favor.”

The mood in the car was a bit awkward, so He Chuan took the initiative to start a conversation. “You seem nervous. Is something wrong?”

“I’m fine.” She wasn’t really nervous—just uncomfortable because she’d noticed a family photo of the He family hanging from the rearview mirror, with He Cheng in it.

“No need to be uneasy. Cheng Jiu and I have been friends for over ten years—very close. I’m not a bad person.”

Xin Gan responded quietly, hesitating. She wanted to ask if he was He Cheng’s brother. What a coincidence that He Cheng’s brother was Cheng Jiu’s friend. Then Cheng Jiu must know He Cheng as well, right?

She wasn’t sure.

In the end, she withdrew the question. Even if he was He Cheng’s brother, so what? He Cheng had done something wrong; his brother might not even know about it.

They arrived. He Chuan’s car stopped at her house, and from a distance she saw a little girl with two pigtails bouncing about in the small garden by the villa gate. Hearing the car, the girl immediately turned and, spotting Xin Gan getting out, shouted loudly, “Auntie!”

He Chuan also got out. The little girl ran over and hugged Xin Gan’s leg, squealing sweetly.

“Keke, you’re getting louder—like a little trumpet,” Xin Gan said, bending to pick her up.

Keke pointed at He Chuan and shouted, “Uncle He!”

“You shouldn’t point at people, Keke. Put your hand down.”

“Sorry, Uncle He. I didn’t mean to.”

He Chuan smiled, “Keke, what are you doing here? Where are your parents?”

“Daddy’s on a business trip, and Mommy came to Grandma’s house. Uncle He, why are you with my auntie?”

Xin Gan hadn’t realized Keke knew He Chuan, but hearing this, she remembered that the He family company had business dealings with her brother-in-law Song Chen’s company.

“Little mischief, you’ll say anything, won’t you?” Xin Gan chided.

He Chuan chuckled, “She really is her father’s daughter—just as clever.” Then, to Keke: “I brought your auntie home. Any more questions? If not, I need to head home.”

Keke clung to Xin Gan’s neck. “Uncle He, last time you and my daddy snuck out for drinks, Mommy caught you! Next time you come over, be careful—Mommy hasn’t forgotten.”

Xin Gan hurried to stop Keke and apologized to He Chuan. “Sorry—children speak without thinking. Please don’t mind her, Mr. He.”

He Chuan didn’t mind at all. “It’s nothing. She’s a clever little thing, just like her dad. Anyway, it’s getting late and I have things to do. If there’s a chance, I hope to invite you and Cheng Jiu to dinner together someday.”

“Alright, drive safe.”

After He Chuan drove away, Xin Gan gently pinched Keke’s chubby cheeks. Keke nestled against her, clinging to her neck, and said in a childish voice, “Auntie, I missed you so much. You finally came back to see me.”

“Where’s your mom?”

“In the house.”

“Then what are you doing out here alone?”

“Catching butterflies.”

Xin Gan carried her inside. “You mustn’t run out alone again. Wherever you go, you need an adult with you, understand?”

Keke pretended to listen, playing with Xin Gan’s hair. “Auntie, how come you came home with Uncle He?”

“Keke, you’re asking too many questions.”

…

That evening, everyone was heading to Xin Gan’s grandfather’s house. The old man had been talking about missing Keke lately, so Shen Ruxin brought her along and planned to visit with Xin Gan.

Her grandfather lived in an old house in the historic district, a building from the Republican era with a long history. He was sentimental and refused to move, preferring to spend his retirement there, fishing in the nearby park whenever he pleased—a leisurely life.

On the way, Shen Ruxin drove and took the opportunity to prepare Xin Gan, “Once we get there, the old man will probably ask about you and Cheng Jiu. Just be ready.”

Keke sat in the back in her child seat, while Xin Gan sat in the front, absorbed in her phone. He’d promised to call, but there’d been no word. She kept locking and unlocking her screen, checking for signal, but there was nothing wrong with her phone—he simply hadn’t called.

“Xin Xin, what are you doing? I’m talking to you,” Shen Ruxin glanced over.

Xin Gan snapped back. “What?”

“You seem distracted. What’s on your mind? Don’t you hear me talking?”

“Sorry, cousin, could you repeat that?”

“I said, going to see Grandpa means you’ll be interrogated about your trip to Beiyu and about Cheng Jiu.”

Xin Gan muttered absently, “I know.”

“What do you plan to do?”

She had told Shen Ruxin before that she intended to break off the engagement, and Shen Ruxin had supported her. But after delaying her return and seeing Shen Ruxin again, Xin Gan hadn’t mentioned it.

Shen Ruxin thought she’d changed her mind and asked about it.

“Not yet—maybe later.”

“Then just take your time and see how things go. If it really doesn’t work, we’ll talk about it then.” Shen Ruxin had been through such things herself and knew a girl’s heart could be fickle. Clearly, Xin Gan hadn’t made up her mind. Something must have happened between her and Cheng Jiu in Beiyu, or she wouldn’t be so hesitant.

Shen Ruxin smiled knowingly.

Xin Gan still hadn’t received Cheng Jiu’s call and was distracted.

When they arrived at her grandfather’s, Xin Gan put her phone on silent and slipped it into her pocket. Keke refused to walk, so Xin Gan carried her inside with Shen Ruxin.

Seeing her grandfather, it was just the usual greetings. Xin Gan held Keke and sat down. Her grandfather, while preparing tea, asked, “Xin Xin, now that you’ve graduated, what’s your plan? Will you take the civil service exam or work at your father’s company?”

The “civil service” meant teaching at a university. She was qualified, but it required another exam.

Shen Ruxin stayed silent; her grandfather was addressing Xin Gan.

“I haven’t decided yet,” Xin Gan replied.

“You should decide soon. If you get the teaching post, you’ll have summer and winter breaks to visit Cheng Jiu, and plenty of time to accommodate him. If you work at your father’s company, that won’t be as easy.”

“Then I’ll take the exam,” Xin Gan said.

Her grandfather was satisfied and nodded, feeling he’d settled things. He then called Keke over to ask about her studies. Keke dreaded this—she hated doing homework and would throw a fit, but was also afraid of her grandfather, so she pretended not to hear.

It was past ten when they finally left her grandfather’s house. Keke had already fallen asleep. As soon as Xin Gan got in the car, Cheng Jiu called. She stared at the screen but didn’t answer right away. Shen Ruxin, hearing the ringtone, asked, “Why aren’t you answering? Who is it?”

“It’s Cheng Jiu,” Xin Gan said.

“Then why not pick up?”

Only then did Xin Gan answer.

“I thought you wouldn’t pick up,” Cheng Jiu said.

Xin Gan replied softly, “No, I just thought I saw it wrong and froze.”

“My phone died. I only just got back to the station to charge it.” His voice was low and magnetic. “Are you about to sleep? Is it convenient to talk?”

“Not yet, we just left my grandfather’s house. On the way home.”

“You’re driving?”

“No, my cousin is.”

“Your cousin is with you?”

She nodded, saying yes.

It was quiet on Cheng Jiu’s end, probably in his dorm; even the wind was gone.

He laughed gently. Out of her sight, his gaze deepened. “So if I tried to flirt with you now, you wouldn’t be able to say anything.”

Xin Gan frowned, a little annoyed. “Don’t you dare—”

“What do you think?” he replied.

“Don’t joke around, I’m… not alone.” Xin Gan felt mortified, afraid he would say something truly inappropriate.

Cheng Jiu laughed again, his voice even deeper, especially over the phone where she couldn’t see his face or touch him—only hear his voice.

Her heart started to race again. She bit her lip, forcing herself to stay clear-headed and not be bewitched by that voice.

“Didn’t you have something to tell me?” she asked.

He finally stopped laughing. “Yes, I do.”

“Go ahead then.”

She waited, her gaze wandering. She looked at the fleeting streetlights outside the window, but couldn’t focus on the scenery. There was only his quiet breathing on the other end to prove he was still there.

After a while, just as she was about to speak, Cheng Jiu said, “I want to see you.”

Her face instantly flushed, her heart struck by something electric—tingling, numb, and then gone—leaving only her pounding, erratic heartbeat.

She nervously licked her lips and stole a glance at Shen Ruxin driving. Seeing her cousin hiding a smile, she grew even more flustered, her face burning.

“Scared you? Why so quiet again? I didn’t even make you say you missed me. Your cousin’s right there, don’t lose your cool, or she’ll tease you.”

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Flustered, her mind went blank, and after a long moment, she still couldn’t collect herself.

“Didn’t hear me? Or don’t understand? I’ll say it again—”

“Enough, I heard you, I know what you mean.”

Listening to her soft, woolly voice, Cheng Jiu’s thoughts strayed. So late at night, he always wanted to do something wicked.

Of course, even if she were in front of him, he wouldn’t force her. Her mind was still set on breaking off the engagement; how could she let him touch her?

Men are like that. Once they truly care for a woman, they want to possess her completely, make her truly theirs.

He was just an ordinary man—he couldn’t change that selfish instinct.

Especially since Xin Gan looked like someone he just wanted to tease and torment.

But he had self-control, content with just a bit of verbal advantage.

After all, their engagement made such teasing perfectly aboveboard.

Some things, a rogue could do with impunity.

“How long till you get home?” he asked.

“Soon,” Xin Gan answered, frowning.

“Then let’s talk a little more.”

“Do you… have something else to say?”

Cheng Jiu flicked off some ash, collected himself, then asked, “Did He Chuan drive you home today?”

After driving Xin Gan home in the afternoon, He Chuan had texted Cheng Jiu to let him know. Though they were friends, some boundaries had to be kept—like not sending your friend’s fiancée home alone. After all, they’d been alone together; He Chuan thought it best to tell Cheng Jiu.

Xin Gan felt as if doused in cold water, thinking he was questioning her, so she explained, “Yes, Aunt Cheng knew as well.”

“Do you know He Chuan?”

“My brother-in-law knows him. I’ve heard of the He family company.”

“I won’t be able to return to Yongcheng for a while. If you need anything there, you can ask He Chuan for help.”

Xin Gan stared at her phone, surprised. She hadn’t expected him to say that, not to question her.

They pulled into her neighborhood, and soon she was at her door.

“I’m home now. I’ll talk to you later,” she said.

“Alright. Give me a call after you’re back inside.”

“No need. I’m right at the door. All right, I’m hanging up now.” She hurriedly ended the call.

Shen Ruxin was already poised to watch the show, smiling as she looked at Xin Gan. “You and Cheng Jiu seem to get along well. Quite the conversation.”

Xin Gan was embarrassed. “Cousin, don’t tease me.”

“I’m not teasing. Look at your face—blushing, not an allergy, but a real blush.”

“….”

“Honestly, when you told me you didn’t want to be with Cheng Jiu, I was worried but supported you. But if you actually get along, you could give it a try. It’s up to you.”

Xin Gan was indecisive, realizing that she did feel something different for Cheng Jiu. She’d been pursued by plenty of boys, with all sorts of confessions, but never felt compelled to accept. Yet Cheng Jiu had shaken her in ways she couldn’t ignore.

She really did notice him—uncontrollably, her heart racing like a startled deer.

But her trip to Beiyu hadn’t been to turn a fake engagement into a real one. She’d gone to break it off and then emigrate.

That had been her plan all along. She was used to life abroad, and her future work would be overseas. She wasn’t comfortable with all the social maneuvering at home. Especially after returning, she felt stifled, forced to consider so many things—a life she didn’t want.

Even Shen Ruxin didn’t know she planned to emigrate.

And Shen Ruxin’s attitude was, as always, to support her no matter what. If she wanted to leave things as they were, her cousin would back her. But if things worked out with Cheng Jiu and they eventually married, that would be a good outcome as well—just as both families wished.

Keke was fast asleep, impossible to wake, so their conversation in the car didn’t disturb her.

Xin Gan raked her fingers through her hair and sighed heavily, her heart in turmoil from Cheng Jiu’s simple “I want to see you.”

Just those three words, and the impact was immense.

“Cousin, if I say I’m planning to emigrate, how could I marry Cheng Jiu? If I marry him, I won’t be able to apply for emigration.”

At that, Shen Ruxin was taken aback. “You’re planning to emigrate? Do Aunt and Uncle know?”

Xin Gan shook her head, her gaze dropping.

“Xin Xin, you need to think this through. This isn’t a joke. I thought you just didn’t like Cheng Jiu and wanted to break off the engagement—I didn’t know you planned to emigrate!”